80 pages • 2 hours read
John RawlsA Theory of Justice
Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 1971A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Theory of Justice by John Rawls introduces the concept of "justice as fairness," advocating for equal basic rights, equality of opportunity, and the improved conditions of society's least advantaged. Utilizing the "original position" and the "veil of ignorance" thought experiment, Rawls develops two principles: one ensuring equal basic liberties, and another prioritizing fair equality of opportunity and the benefit of the least advantaged, framed as the difference principle.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
John Rawls' A Theory of Justice is widely acclaimed for its profound insights on justice, proposing the influential concept of "justice as fairness." Critics praise its rigorous argumentation and philosophical depth. However, some find it dense and challenging to read, criticizing its theoretical abstractions and perceived impracticality for real-world application. Overall, it remains a seminal work in political philosophy.
Who Should Read A Theory of Justice?
A reader who delights in A Theory of Justice by John Rawls is typically immersed in political philosophy and ethics. They might also appreciate Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason or Robert Nozick's Anarchy, State, and Utopia, reveling in debates on justice, equality, and societal structures.